September

By Ronna Bolante

Published: 2004.09.01 12:00 AM

Sept.
1934: In 1933, Honolulu Rapid Transit Co. introduced 22 new Twin Coach gasoline
buses, dubbing them its "Silver Fleet," see photo above. The company also invested
$142,000 (roughly $1.9 million today) to improve its existing rail line. "The
installation of $150,000 worth of new 'Silver Fleet' buses, the expenditure of
$142,000 on track removal and track improvement have been great steps by Rapid
Transit," writes Paradise of the Pacific, predecessor to HONOLULU Magazine. "Schedules
have been speeded up until now Honolulu has the fastest street car and bus service
in any city between 100,000 and 150,000 in America."

Sept.
1949: Paradise of the Pacific reminds readers of war hero Lt. J.F. Coleman,
a Kalihi bus driver and civilian member of the Hawai'i Air National Guard. During
the attack on Pearl Harbor, Coleman was credited with shooting down four enemy
planes. "It might seem strange for a bus passenger riding the short distance from
Kaimukï to Hotel and Fort streets, to realize that the bus driver has already
been several hundred miles at sea on dawn patrol, flying to a predetermined speck
on a chart for a rendezvous or a problem of enemy interception," writes Paradise.
"This strong air arm should prove to the people of Hawai'i that its security is
assured by the spirit and effectiveness of these civilian warriors, training and
working with the Armed Forces to preserve the American Way of Life."

Sept.
1954: "Hula hips aren't the only things that swing in Honolulu, and there's
more than the sound of the surf along the waterfront," writes Paradise of the
Pacific, photo at left. "Swinging doors and the bzzzt of tattoo needles, leaping
neon lights and the laughter of women belong to the city, too." From dancehalls
to saloons to cafes, Honolulu's waterfront offers a multitude of nightlife activities
to both kama'äina and soldiers in port.

Sept.
1979: HONOLULU Magazine interviews Lt. Gov. Jean King, photo above, the first
woman ever to hold that office in Hawai'i. The magazine asks King about her strained
relationship with Gov. George Ariyoshi and speculates on her aspirations for Washington
Place. "Some of Hawai'i's brightest politicians have held the post [of lieutenant
governor], while letting everyone, including the governor, know that it was only
a stepping stone, a way station for the overqualified," HONOLULU writes. "But
King says she and the governor are building a 'good base.' 'We are not pretending
that we agree on everything, but he [Ariyoshi] also made it very clear that he's
No. 1 and the policy is to be made by him.'" In the 1982 gubernatorial election,
King unsuccessfully ran against Ariyoshi. She was succeeded by Lt. Gov. John Waihee,
who went on to become governor in 1986.

Sept.
1984: Men's wear-inspired pieces are the hot new look for women this fall,
says HONOLULU Magazine. "Clothes are generously cut, exhibiting a roomy, oversize
fit in a fashionably modern way. The silhouette is slightly oversized with bold,
rounded or squared shoulders and deep-cut armholes. … The result is simplicity
of line, fine tailoring and fabrics and a rich color palette."